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June 2014 Volume 1 Issue 10

Early College Induction for Monte Alto Students

MONTE ALTO - Monte Alto High School held an induction ceremony for the Early College High School Program.

Area eighth grade students who will be part of the Monte Alto “Early College” High School next fall received an official welcome to the program on Thursday, May 29 from the Monte Alto High School administrators, counselors, teachers and

their higher education partner- South Texas College.

Other education partners present were: Region One ESC, American Legion Post 189, H. E. B. Grocery, and Elsa State Bank. The students and their families gathered for an induction and refreshments in the high school cafeteria which gave them an opportunity to meet other

students and faculty to learn more about how early college will be structured.

Students take rigorous coursework, participate in service learning projects, and benefit from career life planning, counseling, and academic coaching, all to make sure they have the preparation needed to achieve their educational goals.

The program will be based at Monte Alto High School and will function as a “comprehensive program” for all enrolled students starting in the fall of 2014 and thereafter.

MAHS Early College’s partnership with South Texas College will enable high school students to earn both high school and an associate degree. Upon graduation, students may earn both a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree (60credit hours).

For more information on Monte Alto Early College High School call 262-6152.

New Business in Edcouch

By Irma Ayala

Edcouch-The Delta Area will soon have an opportunity to welcome a new business to Edcouch. A new restaurant will soon be tempting our plates. Cazadores Restaurant will be opening in the middle of June. It will be located at the site of the former Lee’s Restaurant. The restaurant is currently being completely renovat-

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ed. It will sport the theme of a hunter’s getaway as its décor.

The family operated business will specialize in Mexican and American food. It will offer barbacoa and menudo Saturdays and Sundays.

Cazadores will initially open from 7 A.M. to 5 P.M. Cazadores Restaurant will also offer catering. Please call 262-8277 for additional information.

Let’s

Editor Page 2 Health & Cooking 3 Community 4 Business 5 Education 6 Social 8

welcome this new business to the area and treat ourselves to a nice meal at the same time. The Community Press welcomes Cazadores and wishes the new owners the best of luck. May the residents of the Delta Area support the new owners with their very enterprising endeavor. May their new business flourish and be an asset to our community.

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Editor’s Page

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In

today’s world, you may have a difficult time finding a newspaper that shines a spotlight on the good things in life, the accomplishments of our amazing youth, inspirational stories behind charities and nonprofit organizations, and the residents and local businesses that embrace the heart of our community. However, the Delta Area residents that include Edcouch, Elsa, La Villa and Monte Alto are fortunate to have just that. The Community Press promotes the progress and growth of the Delta Area.

Like all good ideas, The Community Press was born in response to a need in the community.

Inspired by the concept of giving back to the community and recognizing community involvement--the more people get involved with the community, the better they will be able to understand and serve it. It quickly became apparent that the Delta Area Community could benefit from a neighborhood news outlet for residents and businesses.

The Community Press is the reflection of who we are as residents in the Delta Area.

Commemorating the Youth of the Delta Area is also a large emphasis for the paper.

The Community Press covers three school districts—Edcouch-Elsa, Monte Alto and La Villa ISD. We believe that the accomplishments of students in the community, both in and outside the classroom should always make headlines.

In addition to spreading the good news, The Community Press is a strong advocate for local government and community businesses.

We provide businesses the opportunity to reach their most likely customer base and promote all city projects.

Our main goal is to bring the community together, sharing stories and, promoting generosity and good deeds, publishing the best community newspaper possible. We look forward to continuing to grow and evolve along with you, our extended family!

Weather: Edcouch, Elsa, Monte Alto, La Villa Tues 17

Partly Cloudy Hi: 96° F Lo: 77° F Precip 10%

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June 2014 Volume 1 Issue 10

Rina Diane Castillo CEO/Editor in Chief (956) 292-1590

Reanna Rodriguez Account Executive

Irma Ayala Writer

Sean Downey Design Editor

The Community Press promotes the progress and growth of the Delta Area that adds to the identity and pride of the community, record the history of this area and its people, and make differences in the quality of life for the residents and merchants. The Community Press is dedicated to encourage community service among citizens and employees, recognizing that the more they are involved with the comm...unity, the better they will be able to understand and serve it.

Distribution & Circulation • 5,000 copies distributed biweekly • Available FREE at numerous locations through the Delta Area

Advertising We have numerous ways of advertising for business and private parties. The Community Press has come up with three different ways our clients can reach the Delta Area community.

These are the following advertising opportunities we offer:

• Advertisement space (different sizes) within the newspaper layout • Inserts: reach our audience by giving us your flyer, brochure, booklet and more to put in side our biweekly issue • Social media

The Community Press PO Box 1811 • Elsa, TX • Year 2014 Telephone: (956) 292-1590 Email: tcommunitypress@gmail.com @tcommunitypress

/tcommunitypress

Come join in all the fun!

Elsa Public Library Summer Reading Program 201 Tuesday - Friday @ 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday Activities - Ages 3-5 years old Wednesday Activities- Ages 6-8 years old Thursday Activities- Ages 9+ June 13, 2014- Oscar Munoz Magician @ 2:30 p.m.

June 20, 2014- Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Super Circus Heroes @ 4:00 p.m.

June 27, 2014- Elsa Police Department @ 2:30 p.m.

July 3, 2014- Valley Nature Center @ 2:30 p.m.

July 11, 2014- Club Boxing @ 2:30 p.m.

July 17, 2014- Gladys Porter Zoo @ 2:3p.m.

July 18, 2014- Gamin’ Ride @ 2:30p.m.

If interested in making a donation please contact Amanda Garcia Program Coordinator (956) 262-3061

Health & Cooking

June 2014 Volume 1 Issue 10

10 Ways

Page 3

to Improve Your Day in

Just 5 Minutes Greek Five minutes. It’s only a little bit of time. But it’s long enough for you to do one thing that could make your whole day better.

So take five minutes and try one of these 10 simple ways to lower stress, boost your mood, and get more energy. It might give you that extra spark you need to meet the challenges of the day.

1.

Make your bed. It’s a small ritual that can help create a calm environment for you in your bedroom -- and a soothing bedroom is part of “sleep hygiene” -- little habits that can help you sleep better. Do it first thing in the morning, and you’ve got one less thing to worry about for the rest of the day.

Pack a snack. Before you head out the door in the morning, prep a healthy snack to take with you. Ideas include fruit, unsalted nuts, and low-fat cheese or yogurt. When you get hungry later in the afternoon, you’ll be ready!

Clear your desk. From stray papers to scattered coffee mugs, clutter can make you lose focus and curb productivity. Declutter your outer environment and you may feel more organized and better able to concentrate on the task at hand.

Pump up the music. Several studies have found that listening to music can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and boost mood. The right music has the power to change your attitude.

Sniff a lemon. For a quick de-stressing trick, turn to an underrated sense -- your sense of smell. Japanese researchers found that linalool; a substance found in lemons, may turn down the classic “flight-or-fight” stress response. Not into lemons? Try basil, juniper, or lavender -- those scents have also been found to lower stress.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Stretch. No need to put on your yoga pants or get all bendy. Just a few easy moves will do. Stretching can help improve your circulation and flexibility, and may help ease the tight muscles that come with stress.

Meditate. It’s easier than you may think. Here’s how: Settle into a comfortable position in a chair or on the floor. Then follow your breath -- in, out -- for a few minutes. Thoughts are bound to bubble up in your mind -- no problem. Just let them float by and turn your attention back to your breath. Meditating daily, even just for a few minutes, may help tame stress.

Keep a gratitude diary. Take a minute every day to write down what you’re thankful for -- big or small. It’s easy to vent about weather, traffic, or job woes, but complaining brings negative energy along with it. Being thankful for what you have can make you appreciate all the positives in your life.

Turn off your electronics. Take a little break, already, from all your gadgets. This is especially important to allow you to unwind and relax before bed. Just because the world is on, 24-7, you don’t have to be!

Prioritize. Make a list, figure out what really matters, what can wait, and what you can skip. Work your way down the list, handling your top priorities first. Bit by bit, you’ll get there!

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10.

CHOPPED PITA

Salad

Ingredients: • 2 cups romaine lettuce • 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese • 1/2 cup canned garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained • 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced • 1 whole wheat pita, chopped • 2 tablespoons low-fat vinaigrette Make it: Combine all salad ingredients in a bowl and toss thoroughly.

Page 4

New Angels in Heaven

Amelia G. Valdez EDCOUCH - Amelia G. Valdez, 80, entered eternal rest Monday, June 02, 2014 at Knapp Medical Center of Weslaco, TX. Amelia was born on December 31, 1933, to Ponciano and Monica Gonzalez. She is preceded in death by her husband Nicanor Valdez, her parents, 4 brothers, and 3 sisters. She is survived by her sons Nicanor (Angie) Valdez, Jr., David (Lynda) Valdez, Michael (Catherine) Valdez, daughters Rubicella Salazar, Gracie (Guillermo) Ramirez, Irene Valdez, sisters Lydia Ramirez and Guadalupe Reyes, 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Was laid to rest on Thursday, June 05, 2014 in Highland Memorial Park of Weslaco, TX.

Community

Petronilo Sustayta ELSA - Petronilo Sustayta, 59, entered eternal rest Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at his residence in Elsa, TX. Petronilo was born on May 31, 1955, to Cruz and Francisca Sustayta. He is survived by his wife Blanca H. Sustayta, sons Marco Antonio (Cristina) and Pedro Sustayta, daughters Erica and Karina Sustayta, Blanca H. (Eddie) Torres and Juana S. (Jerry) Stock, 3 brothers, 3 Grandchildren and one on the way, 6 sisters and parents.

Was laid to rest on Thursday, June 12, 2014 in Highland Memorial Park of Weslaco, TX.

June 2014 Volume 1 Issue 10

Edcouch-Elsa Rotary to offer Insurance Products

DELTA AREA - The insurance industry is offering insurance products to the public through non-profits organizations as a way for the non-profit organizations to receive funding for their projects. This is a technological advancement for the industry. It is a way to reach the consumers directly through entities like banks, credit unions, businesses associations, and non-profits organizations at no cost

to the organizations. This is another vehicle by which the Rotary can receive funding at no cost. Check out our Rotary website soon to be offering this products.

Our website is in construction at this time to make this changes possible. We will make the announcements when it is ready.

If interested and have questions please contact Arturo Livas at 330-5000

School Districts Summer Food Programs Announced

The Edcouch-Elsa ISD announces the sponsoring of the SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM for children. Both breakfast and lunch will be provided for free at: Edcouch-Elsa High School (South) Carlos Truan Junior High Ruben Rodriguez Elementary Jorge Rolando Gutierrez Early Childhood Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Edcouch Elsa High School, Carlos Truan Junior High, Ruben Rodriguez Elementary Elementary and Jorge Rolando Gutierrez Early Childhood.

Lunch will be served from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Edcouch Elsa High School; 11:30a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Carlos Truan Junior High and Jorge Rolando Gutierrez Early Childhood; and 11:00a.m.

– 12:30 a.m. at Ruben Rodriguez Elementary Elementary.

The Program at Edcouch Elsa High School will run from June 09, 2014 to July 10, 2014 Monday thru Thursday.

Jorge Rolando Gutierrez Early Childhood will run from June 09, 2014 to July 3rd, 2014 Monday thru Thursday, and Carlos Truan Junior High and Ruben Rodriguez Elementary will run from June 09, 2014

to June 26, 2014 Monday thru Thursday.

Edcouch – Elsa High School is located at HWY 107 Mile 4 North – Elsa, Truan Junior High is located at Mile 4 North and Mile 17, Ruben Rodriguez Elementary is located at 1302 W. Santa Rosa – Edcouch and Jorge Rolando Gutierrez Early Childhood is located at 1210 Santa Rosa – Edcouch.

All four sites will be operated as an “open-site”. All children ages 1 through 18 will be eligible to receive free meals.

Children will not have to be attending a summer school program to receive these meals.

If anyone should have any questions concerning the SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM, please call Jessica Diaz at (956) 2626005.

Monte Alto ISD - Summer Program runs from June 9th thru July 11th and the hours are breakfast 7:30-8:00 a.m. and lunch from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (with the exception of July 4th we will be closed).

Children age 18 and under may receive meals through the Summer Food Service Program at the Monte Alto ISD cafeteria.

City of Edcouch End of School Year Pool Party

June 2014 Volume 1 Issue 10

Business

Page 5

Get Ready for Wal-Mart in Elsa

By Irma Ayala Elsa-The long awaited event that Delta area residents have been hoping for is finally almost here. Wal-Mart is scheduled to be open sometime this August.

Many residents have recently commented that the new business appears to be complete; that’s because it is. It is currently being stocked with merchandise, and new employees are being trained.

All is in its final preparation stages to ac-

commodate the consumers of the Delta Area. According to Elsa Mayor Al Perez, “Wal-Mart is looking good.” Those residents, who have seen the inside, claim it looks just like the Edinburg Wal-Mart.

The new Wal-Mart will be open 24/7and include a deli, bakery, meat market and pharmacy. The mayor hopes that the majority of the new employees will be from Delta Area. Mayor Perez says he’s glad to see the end product since in the beginning having Wal-Mart

build in the area was just a dream, an idea, an extreme possibility. Wal-Mart first contacted city officials to say the company was interested in the location it ultimately chose.

Wal-Mart finally being open is the culmination of many people’s dreams and hard work. The plans first hit a snag with the canal being condemned. That obstacle had to be removed. Next, there were engineering issues. All these encumbrances had to be overcome. May-

Dance Your Way to Fitness

By Irma Ayala

Elsa-Summer is here to stay, and Claudia Gonzalez and Viviendo La Vida can help you Zumba into a trimmer figure this summer.

The new business celebrated its grand opening on June 2, last week. It is located on 88, across VFW Park in a green building. The hours of operation are as follows: 7:00 – 10:00 A.M. and 5:30 – 8:00 P.M. The later hours are designed

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(956) 292-1590

to fit your schedule. The instructors will focus on Zumba, baile terapia and sit camp. There are many health benefits of participating in any of these activities.

It is the goal of Viviendo La Vida to help participants enjoy a healthy life.

Let Viviviendo La Vida and its instructors assist you in becoming better physically fit.

For more information on fees and any questions, please contact Claudia at 4576817 or Ceil at 560 – 0970.

Menudo & Barbacoa Saturday

or Al Perez believes that Wal-Mart was made possible due to the cooperation of the Public Works Director, the building inspector and everyone at city hall.

Perez says the coming of Wal-Mart is a wonderful thing to happen to the Delta Area. “It’s been needed for so long.

Residents will have somewhere to shop at their convenience.”

Delta Area residents get ready to shop to your heart’s content.

Education

Page 6

June 2014 Volume 1 Issue 10

University of Texas Pan American, City of Edcouch Launch Business Leadership Initiative The UTPA College of Business Administration has developed a program that takes learning beyond the classroom. Dr. Teofilo Ozuna, PhD, Dean of the UTPA College of Business Administration gave a detailed presentation to the City of Edcouch at a regular scheduled City Commission meeting. Dr. Ozuna, born and raised in the City of Edcouch and a product of the Edcouch Elsa ISD, described the Dare to Lead Future Business Leaders program as a unique opportunity to mentor, coach, inspire, and provide initiative

to future professional success one student at a time. The Mission is simple, “To provide business students with executive level coaching that enhances their professional development, interpersonal skills, and networking abilities.” The Executive Mentor Program allows a student to become a protégé of current leaders in our community. As an Executive Mentor, city employees will extend the central mission of UTPA by coaching students in important and vital aspects of business careers, professionalism, and leadership. The pri-

MONTE ALTO - Monte Alto ISD Migrant Department provided six high school migrant students the opportunity to visit Washington DC & New York City through the program CLOSE UP from May 25, 2014 to June 1, 2014. Alejandro Martínez, Alejandro Sánchez, Vianei Pompa, Celia Méndez, Tomas Pizaña and Mark Hernández were able to use the capitol as a living classroom where they got a close up view of government and their democracy in action. The one week intensive program allowed students to discuss current events, debate current issues, participate in simulation of democratic processes and procedures, as well as to visit

the memorials. The students attended meetings at the senate where they shared their views on the needs that their school and community has. Students understood the importance of becoming active citizens and became more aware and inspired to become more active in their school and community. All six students did not only learn about the government system but also had the experience of interacting with people from around the country. At the end of this program, all students felt more prepared and informed. They wish this opportunity would be offered to all students and hope to one day return back to Washington D.C. and New York City.

Monte Alto ISD

mary goal is to expose business students to the actual conduct of a business leader. The ultimate goal is an investment in the development of a protégé into an outstanding and highly productive leader.

The City of Edcouch will meet that challenge and plan to expose the students to a variety of municipal disciplines including accounting, computer information systems and quantitative methods, economics and finance, marketing and management. City Leaders are committed to the program and share the vision that students

are leaders in the making who are determined and committed to academics and professionalism. Excellent academics combined with real – world experiences transform a student into a leader who is ready to change the world and contribute to societal well – being and prosperity.

ELSA - The JRG Foundation was created in 2005 in memory of Jorge Rolando “Roly” Gutierrez to provide scholarships to Rio Grande Valley high school students seeking a higher education. Jorge Rolando graduated from Edcouch-Elsa where he taught English Literature and Health for ten years, all while acting as the head coach for the varsity girls’ basketball team. He was very dedicated to his students and passionate about giving back to his community. He was a role model to many and a loving individual who often

put others before himself.

The JRG Foundation has since awarded over $85,000 in scholarship money to students throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The foundation continues to push forward and honor Roly’s legacy in helping others. JRG will be hosting its 10th Annual Golf Tournament on November 22, 2014 at the Tierra Santa Golf Club in Weslaco.

For more information please visit our website at www.JRGFoundation.com Or Contact Vanessa at 393-1061

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader. – John Quincy Adams

Foundation honors Jorge Rolando Gutierrez

US Marine Corps Memorial Study Visit at Washington D.C. Left to Right: Vianei Pompa, Tomas Pizaña, Mark Hernández, Alejandro Sánchez, Celia Méndez, and Alejandro Martínez

PHOTO: Left to right standing:Angela Griffith (Edcouch-Elsa), Katrina Capello (Edcouch-Elsa), Claudia Cavazos (Mission High), Sara Stubbs (Mission High), sitting left to right:Autumn Layton (Robert Vela H.S Edinburg), Emilio Martinez (Robert Vela H.S Edinburg), Jacquelin Ovando (Mission High)not seen: Luis Adrande (Beta High School)

June 2014 Volume 1 Issue 10

Community Press

Page 7

City of Edcouch End of School Year Pool Party...cont.

Golden Bee Learning Center Summer Fun

Page 8

Social

Top two photos taken at The End of the Trail.

Bottom photos taken at Riderz

June 2014 Volume 1 Issue 10